Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

Chinese Herbal Liquid Extracts (Tinctures) – A Complete Guide

Pills, powders, and poultices, oh my! Chinese medicinal formulas come in many shapes and sizes – and even varied administration methods. Let’s learn a little more about one of our favorite ways to take our Chinese herbs: liquid extracts. Liquid extracts are a unique way to take herbal medicine. Tinctures are commonly used in Western…
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Chinese Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Wouldn’t it be great if you had a magic shield that could ward off stress? While there may not be such a thing, you can reduce the negative effects that stress has on your mind and body. How? With the power of adaptogenic mushrooms. Adaptogenic mushrooms are a group of special medicinal mushrooms that help…
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Supercharge Your Metabolism & Thyroid Health with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Spring is here and as our part of the world starts to warm up, many of us begin to think about dropping a few pounds or improving our energy. And there’s no better time! In spring, the Earth awakens and everything seems to come alive with it. The buzzing energy of the season (and better…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Anti-Aging

Tired of spending money on expensive anti-aging serums? Are you hoping to avoid invasive cosmetic procedures? Simply want to feel as young as possible for as long as possible? Chinese herbs for anti-aging may be the answer you’re looking for. Chinese herbal medicine has long been used to help people age gracefully. From wrinkle prevention…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Memory and Concentration

It’s normal to experience some forgetfulness or have trouble focusing or learning new information as you age. But when you are consistently unable to remember new information or are forgetting your past memories, you may be experiencing memory loss. Thankfully there are ways to restore your memory and boost your focus when you use Chinese…
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How to Boost Your Pet’s Immune System Naturally with Chinese Herbal Medicine

In light of Covid-19, many people are paying closer attention to their immune health. Faced with new and evolving health concerns, we turn to supporting the body’s innate ability to stay strong in the face of disease. This new focus on immune health is well-deserved: the immune system is one of the most influential, yet…
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Chinese Herbal Teas – The Complete Guide

How is Chinese Tea Used in Chinese Herbal Medicine? On any given day, over 50% of Americans are expected to drink at least one cup of tea. From a warm cup in the morning to an afternoon pick-me-up, tea offers us a delicious treat and quiet ritual. Both modern research and the ancient wisdom of…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Acne Prone Skin

Struggling with the constant pimples and cysts of acne-prone skin? Chinese herbs for acne offer a simple and natural solution to get the clear and healthy skin you deserve. If you’re one of over 85% of Americans who have some point in our lives, you know that acne can be one of the most frustrating…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Hormone Balance

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that control everything from our appetite to our fertility. Unfortunately, keeping the delicate balance required to stay healthy isn’t always easy. If you’ve tried everything to keep your hormones balanced with no luck, you may be wondering if Chinese herbs for hormone balance could help you. Chinese herbs for hormone…
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About the Author

Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

Kate Downes is a Chinese medicine practitioner with a passion for herbal medicine. In fact, it was her love for plant and earth medicine that first drew her to study Chinese medicine.

Kate has a MSAOM (Master of Science, Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) certification and practiced acupuncture in Indianapolis, IN for five years before packing her bags to roam the world. In order to stay in touch with the wellness community and continue to help others thrive with herbal medicine, she transformed her work from face-to-face patient care to spreading wellness through words. Her life as a remote herbalist and writer has allowed her to work with a variety of wellness brands, health pioneers, and her wonderful clients. She has a special interest in working with women’s health.

Kate thoroughly enjoys writing educational and useful pieces for Best Chinese Medicine. Her goal is to help the public gain a better understanding of the wonders of Chinese herbal medicine so they can be empowered in their own quest for natural, vibrant health.

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Articles Related To Author: Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

Liver Support & Flow: Which Chinese Herbal Formula is Right for You?
April 4, 2025

Have you ever felt like stress is getting the best of you? Or maybe your digestion seems off, your sleep is disrupted, or you’re experiencing headaches that won’t go away? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these symptoms often point to an imbalance in one of the body’s most crucial organ systems: the Liver. Blaming your…
Chinese Herbs for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
March 14, 2025

Sometimes fatigue goes beyond just feeling tired. If you are living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), the persistent exhaustion, brain fog, and inability to feel truly rested make even simple tasks seem monumental. While Western medicine offers limited solutions to those with CFS, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can step in to offer some much-needed support.…
Chinese Herbs for Andropause (Male Menopause)
March 7, 2025

When we think about midlife changes, menopause often takes center stage. But women aren’t the only ones who experience significant shifts during this stage of life. Andropause, often referred to as “male menopause,” is the male counterpart—a gradual decline in testosterone and other hormones that can bring noticeable changes to energy, mood, libido, and overall…
Herbal Hacks for Headaches & Migraines
February 28, 2025

We’ve all had a headache before. While some are mercifully mild and short-lived, others can completely debilitate you for hours or even days. For most of us, headaches are just an occasional inconvenience. But for the over 39 million Americans who suffer from more severe migraines, they can be a major struggle that interferes with…
9 Chinese Herbs to Enhance Sexual Wellness and Pleasure
February 21, 2025

Let’s face it—when your sex life is out of sync, it can throw everything else off, too. Sexual wellness is about more than just reproductive health or physical intimacy. It can act as a foundational part of your overall health, emotional balance, and energy. Yet, issues like low libido, hormonal imbalances, and emotional stress can…